Predicted Manchester United Lineup To Face Manchester City
Manchester United are set to take on their bitter rivals in an intense Manchester Derby clash on Thursday night. This is the first time the clubs would be facing each other on a Thursday night after 1994, where the Red Devils won the game comfortably by a 5-0 margin, courtesy of an Andrei Kanchelskis hat-trick.
United are placed 5th in the table right now, with 63 points from 32 games, just one point behind their Thursday’s opponents. A win would see them make it into the top-4, while a draw would be a great result for 6th placed Arsenal. With Liverpool having lost to Crystal Palace at Anfield, Man United are 3 points behind the Reds with two games in hand.
This is a chance that Manchester United must not let slip as it would be really difficult to catch up on their rivals after this game. They still have to play Arsenal and Tottenham, and so a victory on Thursday would go a long way in aiding their Champions League ambitions.
Team News
Manchester United will be without the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been outstanding this season, having scored 28 goals in all competitions. Paul Pogba was withdrawn late in the game against Burnley and is a doubt for this game. Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all remain unavailable. The good news is that Antonio Valencia might be ready to start the game after missing out on the Burnley clash.
Probable Manchester United XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
Who else other than De Gea? The Spaniard is irremovable from the Manchester United line-up and will be a huge difference between the two sides when they take the pitch.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
Valencia has been fantastic for United this term and he should return to the line-up after having missed the Burnley game. He must be feeling fresh. Signs of danger Manchester City!
Eric Bailly (CB)
Eric Bailly is the only fit and recognised centre-half available for selection and Jose Mourinho is too shrewd not to drop such a player for a clash of this size.
Daley Blind (CB)
With no other options available for selection, Blind will once again be used at the heart of the defence. A possible battle against City’s top class strikers will keep the Dutchman motivated for the game.
Luke Shaw (LB)
Luke Shaw seems to be getting his chances after being left out of the team for a long time. This would be a great opportunity for the young Englishman to show his manager what he is made of.
Michael Carrick (CM)
With Herrera and Pogba being doubtful for this derby, there would be few better players than Michael Carrick who can step into the team. His experience will be vital for Manchester United and he will be tasked with controlling the game.
Marouane Fellaini (CM)
Fellaini will partner Carrick in central midfield as injury problems seem to have left Mourinho with no other choice. Manchester United will be banking on Fellaini to put in a strong performance.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)
Mkhitaryan did not start the game against Burnley and was probably rested to be fresh and ready to start this game. He is the star turn and he will have a huge say on the game’s outcome.
Wayne Rooney (CAM)
The old war-horse has seen it all and the occasion would be nothing new for him. He played on the left-wing against the Clarets, but should play as the No.10 in this game. Whichever position he plays in, Rooney is class.
Anthony Martial (LW)
The Frenchman started upfront in Manchester United’s previous game but should start on the left flank, paving way for a Marcus Rashford return to the starting line-up.
Marcus Rashford (ST)
The sensational Englishman will surely start this huge game in the absence of the giant Swede. Despite his age, the prospect of facing him will be giving sleepless nights to the City defenders.
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